It is not then the existence or the non-existence, of the…
““It is not then the existence or the non-existence, of the persons that I trouble myself about; it is the fable of Jesus Christ, as told in the New Testament, and the wild and visionary doctrine raised thereon, against which I contend. The story, taking it as it is told, is blasphemously obscene. It gives an account of a young woman engaged to be married, and while under this engagement, she is, to speak plain language, debauched by a ghost.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Paines argues that the biblical narrative is absurd and offensive, focusing on its sensational details rather than theological truth.
In simple terms: He finds the New Testament story obscene and irrational.
Key Takeaway
Question the literal truth of sacred texts.
Themes
skepticism
religion
literature
Mood
critical
provocative
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal belief
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
atheism
myth criticism
historical analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of the story challenge your worldview?
- How do you reconcile faith with criticism?
A Different Perspective
Religious texts have cultural significance despite perceived absurdities.